The Nedbank Golf Challenge is concurrent on the Golf Course of the legendary Gary Player. The iconic South African golfer has hosted the yearly event on his home soil since 1981. This year too, the event returned as the penultimate showdown before the DP World Tour reached Dubai to crown the champion.

Being a host, Player has the privilege of sureharing his valuable insights and talking about the advancement in golf. The 88-year-old decided to praise the progress of women’s golf, yet his last 7 words were unexpected.

Gary Player delighted with the newest addition to the Augusta National

Player has been involved with PGA since 1955. Having spent the majority of his life playing golf, his opinions on certain things are extremely important. 

While commentating on the game, Player was reminded of the evolution that has occurred in women’s golf as Justin Thomas hit the ball. What was he talking about? The Augusta National did not allow women as a member until 2012. Recently, one golfer of the LPGA Tour became part of the Augusta National. 

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Annika Sorenstam was thrilled to have the privilege of getting invited and entering a prestigious membership before her LPGA event, The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. Player commented on the same (as shared by No Laying Up on X) and said, “Annika Sorenstam made a member of August. They never allowed women there and now to see a woman being a member. I think it’s fantastic. She is the best lady golfer in the world. It’s wonderful to see.”

Moreover, the career Grand Slammer’s co-host replied and highlighted another fantastic aspect of women’s golf, which is the Augusta National Women’s Amateur’s progress. She praised the ANWA. However, Player had one answer and said, “I don’t agree with you on that.” We will never know why Gary The Player was so off put by the mention of ANWA, but surely there have been valid reasons. 

Gary Player ‘sad’ with Augusta National

Gary Player has had 24 victories on the PGA Tour and has won the majors 9 times in his life. He is one of the few golfers who has had a career Grand Slam (winning all the majors in a year/career). Winning thrice at the Augusta National, Player always had something to say about it. 

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In an interview around March, Player talked about how ‘terribly sad’ it was to play a round on the Augusta National. Player demanded that he should be allowed to play with friends and family without the need to have another member. He said, “If it wasn’t for the players, (Augusta National) would be just another golf course in Georgia. I helped make this tournament what it is.”

However, Player does have an honorary membership for Augusta National. Even then, he is obliged to follow the rules if they offend him. As he now hosts the event, what do you think of his opinion on the ANWA? Tell us in the comments! 

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